Octocon, the National Irish Science Fiction Convention, is a weekend celebration of the weird and wonderful, attracting artists, writers, film-makers and fans from across the human sphere of influence. The convention was initiated by members of the Irish Science Fiction Association, and named by artist Peter McCanney, who created the convention’s first logo.
The futuristic Dublin Riviera
Octocon’s first Guest of Honour was Terry Pratchett, some of the other GoHs have included Anne McCaffrey, J.G. Jones, Tanith Lee, Mike Carey and George R.R. Martin. For one weekend every October, Octocon delves into the unsung genres and curious concepts of Speculative Fiction, with workshops, panel discussions and charming guest speakers. The Golden Blasters are the National Irish Science Fiction Awards for short science fiction, fantasy or horror films. Submissions can and have come from anywhere in the world, and the winners are selected by audience vote and a panel of judges. Octocon features the the Golden Blaster short SF/F/H film fest.
This year, Octocon’s Guest of Honours are Richard K. Morgan and Gail Simone along with a number of others guests : Michael Carroll, Robert Curley, Dr. Noirin Curran, Derek Gunn, Ruth Frances Long, Oisín McGann, Maura McHugh, Alan Nolan, Peadar Ó Guilín, Brian J. Showers, John Vaughan.
The Octocon venue is the Camden Court Hotel in Dublin 2, a three-star hotel located at the southern end of Camden Street.
Timetable :
Friday 11th Of October
Since the first Octocon, the Friday night has always being a casual part of the convention. It is a chance for people to catch up before they get distracted by the convention. Fans arrive into the hotel from homes and airports, and then the slow trickle into the bar begins.This year we have also organized signings with our Guests of Honour:
Richard K. Morgan will be in Hodges Figgis, signing from 5pm.
Gail Simone will be in Sub City Comics from 5.30
Saturday 12th of October
The first full day of the convention. Doors open at 10am with the opening ceremony at 10.30 with panels starting every hour until 6pm.
At 7pm we will have the Golden Blasters Short Film Festival.This is a new slot for the Film festival, and we hope that it will make it more accessible.
Sunday the 13th of October
The second day of the convention will resume at 10am with more panels. The day will continue until the closing ceremony at 6pm.
Monday the 14th of October
We will be having a “Dead Dog” party in the Porter House on Parliment Street from 12pm. This is a place for people to wait for their flights, and maybe one last chance to catch up with friends you have been too busy to say hi to earlier!
Octocon is looking forward to seeing you in Dublin !
http://www.octocon.com/app/#prog
http://www.octocon.com/
http://www.goldenblasters.com/
